Red Chokeberry
Aronia arbutifolia
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Data Coverage 4 of 6 dimensions
Quick Facts
Height
10 ft
Spread
9 ft
Growth Rate
Moderate
Light
Full Sun
Soil
Wet Tolerant
Water
High
Hardiness
Zone Zones 5b–9b
Bloom Time
April
Fall Color
Orange, red, scarlet, yellow
Origin
from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Minnesota
Phenological Calendar
As of April 19, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1342.9 to 1500.8 GDD₃₂. Red Chokeberry has passed 'full bloom' (1229 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 19, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,501 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,465 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,441 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,415 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,390 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,381 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,343 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 1100 | '' |
| ● 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' NOW | 1229 | '' |
Range: 815–979 GDD₃₂
(6yr)
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Hover over GDD values for source details. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 19, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 5, 2026, then climate normals.
Cultivars (1)
'Brilliantissima'
Common name: Brilliant Red Chokeberry; Mature height: 6–8 ft